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Florida
26th October 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Dual enrollment growth highlights equity gaps

Dual enrollment participation in the United States reached a record 3m students during the 2024–25 academic year, increasing 24% over two years, with community colleges serving approximately 70% of participants. Research suggests that students who earn college credits while in high school are more likely to pursue and complete higher education, potentially reducing tuition costs. However, participation remains uneven, particularly among Black and Hispanic students, boys, English learners, and students with disabilities. Education experts recommend stronger partnerships between high schools and colleges, improved academic advising, flexible eligibility requirements, and courses aligned with transferable college credits and career pathways. With high school students now accounting for nearly a quarter of community college enrollment nationwide, school leaders are encouraged to use their growing influence to secure better support and expand access to these opportunities.

NATIONAL NEWS

SNAP cuts drive rising school lunch debt

U.S. school districts have reported rising student lunch debt and reductions in universal free meal programs following federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which have reduced eligibility for school meal assistance. More than 5m Americans, including an estimated 2m children, have lost SNAP benefits since last year, while the average number of students receiving free school lunches declined by 600,000 to 20.7m between fiscal years 2025 and 2026. Schools are increasingly losing access to the Community Eligibility Provision, which provides federal funding for free meals to all students at qualifying campuses. In Indiana, Knox Community School Corporation has accumulated $10,000 in lunch debt, while a San Antonio district reported more than $25,000 in unpaid balances during the first six weeks of school, an 83% increase. Districts in Houston, Miami-Dade, and Virginia have also reduced free meal coverage, raising concerns about food insecurity, financial pressures on families, and growing school budget shortfalls.

STATE NEWS

Florida cracks down on social media

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that his office has participated in 2,100 child predator arrests over the past year, emphasizing the need for stricter social media regulations. House Bill 3, which prohibits children under 14 from having social media accounts, was upheld by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Uthmeier said: "We beat 'em in court," highlighting the state's commitment to protecting children online. Proposed regulations include a default quiet mode for teen accounts, usage caps, and a strict one-strike rule for adults soliciting minors. Uthmeier noted the addictive nature of social media, saying: "These addictive features... keep them away from their education." The state aims to hold tech companies accountable for age verification, with Uthmeier asserting, "These things are going to save lives. Our kids are too important."  

CHILDCARE

Fixing early learning boosts workforce

A report by the Florida Chamber Foundation highlights significant child care challenges in Broward County, revealing that 63% of 2,449 surveyed parents cited cost as the primary barrier to accessing care. Kareen Boutros, Executive Director of Broward Workshop, emphasized the need for the business community to strengthen early learning systems, stating: “This report gives us a shared understanding of the challenges families and providers face.” The report indicates that staffing issues contribute to the lack of available seats, with nearly one-third of early educators considering leaving the field. Mark Wilson, president and chief executive of the Florida Chamber, noted: “If we fix early learning, we fix 1,000 other things.” The roadmap suggests employers promote assistance programs and engage in community discussions to improve child care access and quality. Renee Jaffe, CEO of the Early Learning Coalition, stressed that “No family should have to choose between their career and their child's early education.”

GOVERNANCE

Brevard School Board elections heat up

The Brevard School Board elections are underway, with two seats available and at least one newcomer guaranteed. Candidates face significant challenges, including a nearly $79m budget cut and declining student enrollment. In District 2, incumbent Gene Trent competes against Kyle Savage, a former teacher and IT professional. Savage emphasized the need for transparency and innovative solutions, stating: “We can open micro-schools inside our schools.” In District 5, Tammy Dennis and Michele McCormack are vying for the seat left vacant by Katye Campbell. Dennis advocates for fiscal oversight and collaboration, while McCormack aims to strengthen support for students with disabilities. All candidates agree on the need to reduce political influence in education, with Savage noting: “Families are sick and tired of politics in the classroom.”

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Ruby Bridges visits Sarasota schools

On November 12, Civil Rights icon Ruby Bridges will visit Sarasota, where the community has come together to celebrate her legacy. The event includes a morning walk at Bay Haven School, the first in Sarasota County to fully integrate, and an evening town hall at Booker High School. Over 550 backpacks filled with educational materials will be distributed to students, emphasizing the importance of Bridges' story in local history. Sarah Wertheimer, chief executive of Embracing Our Differences, noted: "To have her here in person, it completes something," highlighting the significance of this event for future generations.

NUTRITION

Experts demand ultraprocessed food definition

More than 100 health, nutrition, and medical experts are urging the Trump administration to release a federal definition of ultraprocessed foods amid delays reportedly linked to food industry pressure. The initiative, a key part of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again agenda, aims to address growing concerns about obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases associated with ultraprocessed food consumption. Research indicates that these products account for more than 70% of the U.S. packaged food supply, while children and toddlers obtain approximately 47% to 59% of their calories from them. Experts argue that a standardized definition could support clearer food labeling, healthier school meals, and stronger nutrition policies while encouraging manufacturers to improve their products. Although federal agencies submitted a proposed definition for review in August, its release remains delayed, prompting calls for greater transparency and faster regulatory action.

 
PBS

SAFETY & SECURITY

Chaos erupts at homecoming event

On Saturday, a shooting near Florida A&M's Bragg Memorial Stadium during homecoming weekend left at least 12 people injured, including six children. Chief Lawrence Revell reported that no arrests have been made, and the incident followed a fight that broke out after a football game. Revell expressed his devastation, stating: “I stand before you tonight devastated... my heart goes out to our victims and their families.” Eleven victims suffered gunshot wounds, with three in serious condition. The Tallahassee Violent Crimes Unit is investigating the incident, which occurred around 8 p.m. The university reassured the community that the campus remains safe and urged individuals to avoid the area to facilitate the investigation.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Federal earnings test threatens college programs

Nearly 2,900 U.S. college programs could fail the Department of Education’s new earnings test, potentially jeopardizing their eligibility for federal student loans, according to an analysis by higher education marketing agency Validated Insights. The test assesses whether graduates earn more than high school graduates in the same state, with 2,880 programs currently falling below the threshold and another 1,995 passing by less than 10%. The failing programs enroll approximately 644,000 students, including more than 308,000 federal borrowers. Undergraduate certificate programs face the greatest risk, with 29% failing, particularly in health care, while associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs show considerably lower failure rates. The report recommends strategies such as integrating industry certifications, expanding paid work-based learning, and improving graduate placement in higher-paying jobs. Federal determinations are expected in early 2027, with programs potentially losing federal loan eligibility as early as the 2028–29 academic year if they fail twice within three years.

INTERNATIONAL

Alberta sets new school flag rules

Alberta will introduce new flag display regulations across all schools on January 4, 2027, requiring schools to fly Canadian and Alberta flags while prohibiting flags intended to promote social or political causes. The rules allow certain cultural, Indigenous, municipal, and international flags to be displayed on designated occasions, with schools able to request exemptions from the provincial government. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said the measures aim to keep classrooms politically neutral and focused on learning. However, education advocates, teachers' representatives, and opposition politicians have criticized the restrictions, raising concerns about LGBTQ+ inclusion, Indigenous representation, and additional administrative burdens. Supporters argue that the regulations will provide consistency while maintaining respectful learning environments. The rules will apply to physical and digital displays on school property, including websites and social media accounts, but will not restrict individuals or their personal belongings.
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